Canada tops Group A at 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship with 3-2 overtime win over Sweden

Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic) scored 2:27 into overtime to lift Canada over Sweden by a score of 3-2 in a preliminary round finale on Tuesday in Magnitogorsk, Russia.

Leading 2-1, Swedish defenceman Adam Boqvist scored on the power play with 1:34 remaining in the third period to force overtime before Lafreniere connected with Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm) and Joe Veleno (Drummondville Voltigeurs) in the extra frame.

“It was a really nice pass by [Ryan Merkley]. I was alone with the goalie – I made a little move and shot. He made the save and I took my rebound and scored. It was special. When I saw the puck go in, I was really happy we have [a] perfect start to the tournament. It was really nice.”

Raphael Lavoie (Halifax Mooseheads) and Chase Wouters (Saskatoon Blades) also scored for Canada as they finish the round robin with a perfect 4-0 record.

“The team is growing and we’re getting better each game,” affirmed head coach Don Hay (Kamloops Blazers). “We’re competing hard. We took advantage of a powerplay opportunity at a crucial time of the game.”

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